FLIR Systems has introduced the T530 and T540 professional thermal imaging cameras, designed for thermographers who operate in a variety of environments including power generation, electrical distribution, and research laboratories. PWE reports.

The use of thermal imaging and industry’s awareness of its capabilities has increased dramatically in the last decade and the technology is increasingly percolating through to many areas of our daily lives. The options for measuring temperature and studying thermal performance have never been greater. Not only is there a huge range of models available to suit all application needs but the technology is now eminently affordable and very easy to use. PWE reports.

The storage of large quantities of organic material always carry the risk of spontaneous combustion and fire. With Europe’s commitment to bioenergy through initiatives, like the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation, this is a growing problem. For energy producers in this sector, such an outbreak is not only a major health and safety issue but also one that involves loss of raw material and production downtime. PWE reports.

Predictive maintenance and RCM (reliability-centred maintenance) programmes at manufacturing facilities regularly use thermal imaging cameras for inspecting a countless number of mechanical components. FLIR tells PWE how to get started.

Some suggest it can take years to become an expert in infrared (IR) imaging. However, to get there a bit quicker, FLIR has identified 10 critical (and common) thermography pitfalls that are well worth avoiding in order to ensure the capture of successful thermograms: over-emphasising temperature measurements; ignoring temperature measurements; not assessing the risk; misidentifying parts; not being open-minded; not understanding the science; not understanding the limitations of IR; not understanding the capabilities of IR; over-reaching; and complacency. PWE reports.

PWE recently attended an event in Essex which saw the world launch of the IRISS* asset tagging system, and the European launch of its Delta T Alert - a self-contained, wireless temperature monitoring system. In addition the company made the first public appearance of its IRISS CAP-ENV – a tough infrared window for the safe, thermal inspection of energised equipment.

If you want to conduct a live thermal inspection of electrical equipment the most effective and certainly safest way is via an infrared window. It’s a data collection point which is IR transmissible that allows meaningful data to be obtained without the thermographer encountering the dangers of arc flash. Martin Robinson, CEO – IRISS Inc reports.

Mick Broughton, UKAS calibration manager at AMETEK Land Instruments, looks at how periodic calibration of infrared thermometers by a UKAS-accredited laboratory is essential for maintaining quality, efficiency and safety within the production process.

A thermal imaging camera only reads the electromagnetic radiation it receives in a specific range of wavelengths. To display this reading the camera makes several calculations to convert data into actual temperature and one that is vitally important is emissivity.

Thermal imaging has now become widely adopted for preventative inspection but, although the technology is exceptionally easy to apply, the need for training is more important than ever. It is vital that the camera user understands the science behind thermal imaging. Without it, thermal images are virtually meaningless and findings are at risk of serious misinterpretation. PWE reports.